News / Consultation to reduce consultations
SHETLAND Islands Council is asking local folk to take part in a far-reaching consultation designed to cut down on other consultations.
The Shetland Place Standard consultation invites comments on a total of 14 topics, including public transport, facilities, housing and social interaction, to inform the authority about communities’ wider concerns.
Feedback gained from the questionnaire will then be looped back into council initiatives like the Local Housing Strategy and the Local Outcome Improvement Plan.
The hope is that the research will reduce the amount of other consultations the council undertakes in the future.
SIC development committee chairman Alastair Cooper encouraged anyone with an interest in Shetland and its services to take part before the closing date of 10 July.
“In the past, Shetlanders have said they feel they are constantly being asked questions by one part of the council or another on a range of different subjects,” he said.
“We’ve listened to this, and we’re now piloting the Place Standard approach, to ask folk what they think needs to be improved about where they live.
“If this approach is successful, I’d hope that we should see fewer consultations on different issues in the future.
“There are fourteen topics covered in this consultation, covering everything from transport to housing to our public and natural spaces.
“It’s simple to use, and other than giving us some basic personal information about yourself and where you live, your responses are anonymous. I’d encourage anyone with an interest in Shetland’s services and environment to take part.”
Those who want to fill in a paper copy of the consultation should contact 01595 744360 or visit 6 North Ness Business Park in Lerwick.
The 14 topics covered in the Shetland Place Standard are:
Moving around – Can I easily walk and cycle around using good quality routes?
Public transport – Does public transport meet my needs
Traffic and parking – Do traffic and parking arrangements allow people to move around safely and meet the community’s needs?
Streets and spaces – Do buildings, streets and public spaces create an attractive place that is easy to get around?
Natural space – Can I regularly experience good quality natural space?
Play and recreation – Do I have access to a range of space and opportunities for play and recreation?
Facilities and amenities – Do facilities and amenities meet my needs?
Work and economy – Is there an active local economy and the opportunity to access good quality work?
Housing and community – Does housing support the needs of the community and contribute to a positive environment?
Social interaction – Is there a range of spaces and opportunities to meet people?
Identity and belonging – Does this place have a positive identity and do I feel I belong?
Feeling safe – Do I feel safe?
Care and maintenance – Are buildings and spaces well cared for?
Influence and sense of control – Do I feel able to participate in decisions and help change things for the better?
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